Various Letters

That is to say, whoever undertakes anything apart from the bishop and the presbytery and the deacons is not pure in conscience.

The Letters, Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius, always introducing himself as the God-carrier, also reminds that he loves suffering, although he does not know if he is worthy. He wears his chains on account of Jesus Christ. Imagine, he writes that he is not worthy of suffering. To live is Christ, to die is gain. It seems that the early martyrs took this to heart.

In his letter to the Trallians (a city in the far southwest of modern Turkey, near Smyrna/Izmir)), Ignatius encourages unity under the bishop and presbytery. There is a hint that such submission hasn’t taken place.

Ignatius writes of being subject to the bishop as to Jesus Christ: in this, you are not living in a human way but in accordance with Jesus Christ – thus, escaping death. Also respect the deacons; without the bishop and the deacons, nothing can be called a church.

Avoid factionalism, a “foreign plant.” Some appear trustworthy, but have mixed a deadly drug with honeyed wine. Be on guard against such people:

This will be possible for you if you are not puffed up and are unseparated from God, Jesus Christ, and the bishop and the instructions of the apostles.

Ignatius says he is not aware of this nature among the Trallians, yet he cautions: adopt gentleness; remake yourselves in faith and in love – the flesh and blood of Christ. It strikes me this is how the early Church saw the Eucharist: it is the means by which the goods of the church are properly shared; a shared meal demonstrating faith in Christ and love for each other.

Let none of you hold anything against your neighbor. Do not give entry point to heathens….

Without saying it directly, his concern here is Docetism: ignore those who say anything apart from Jesus being from David and Mary, that he was persecuted, crucified and died. He was then truly raised from the dead, by His Father.

Thus if some people, atheists, that is unbelievers, say that he suffered in appearance only, it is they who are the appearance. … Therefore flee the wicked offshoots which produce death-dealing fruit; anyone who tastes of it dies instantly.

Next is his letter to the Romans, a church for which he has no personal connection. It is a letter of introduction. In a way, just like the apostle Paul. Unlike Paul, Ignatius knew he was headed for martyrdom.

Ignatius sees his coming martyrdom in Rome as his best opportunity to attain to God. He wants no intervention regarding this end. Keep silent, he asks, and there is no better task for you.

For if you keep silent about me, I shall be a word of God, but if you are deeply concerned about my flesh I shall once again simply be a voice.

Do not allow me anything other than being poured out for God. … It is good for me to sink to God from the world, so that I may rise up to him.

He is writing to all: he is willingly dying for God; allow this for me – even encourage the beasts! He sees this as Christianity: Christianity is majesty when it is hated by the world.

In his letter to the Philadelphians, he is concerned about Judaizers.

Do not listen to anyone who should interpret Judaism to you. For it is better to hear about Christianity from a circumcised man than Judaism from one uncircumcised.

The church should be united in offering a single Eucharist. He makes many similar points here, about the bishop, presbyters, and deacons, for example. Avoid divisions and evil teachings, stay away from wicked plants.

There is Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But there is something distinct in the gospel: the Savior, His Passion and Resurrection. The proclamation of the prophets was pointing to Him, but the Gospel presents the completed work of incorruption.

He writes to the Smyrnaeans, warning of the danger of Docetism. If Christ was not in the flesh, it would be impossible for the Eucharist to convey the spirit of Christ. Again, he writes that Christ was truly in the flesh, and experienced all things in the flesh – even the Resurrection.

He warns against “wild beasts” teaching falsely: have nothing to do with them but pray for them.

Finally, his letter to Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna. Many of the same themes are repeated. As this is a letter to a bishop, Ignatius writes of the economic duties of the bishop. Take care of the widows, know everyone by name, do not look down on slaves.

Conclusion

Ignatius offers a couple of ways of describing salvation: “The prize is incorruption and eternal life.”

A Christian does not have his own authority, but is devoted to God. This deed is God’s and yours, when you accomplish it, for I trust in grace that you are ready for the good deeds which please God.

He is describing participation in salvation – the good deeds which please God come only in grace.

…brought to peace in flesh and spirit through the suffering of Jesus Christ, our hope for resurrection into his self….

Perhaps a very nice summation of salvation. I will restate how I understand this statement: we are to be like Christ. Incorruption in flesh and spirit. This is our eternal hope; this is salvation into God’s eternal kingdom.